There is a high rate of infertility among couples in Nigeria and this is a challenge that is perceived differently in each socio-cultural context that it is experienced.
As a result of this, solution to the problem is often adversely shaped by personal and public perceptions of the phenomenon.
Going through the roller coaster of trying to have a baby and hoping this would be “The Month”, could be an incredibly frustrating experience.
If you have dealt with infertility for years, it could be scary and often misunderstood and rather devastating to hear about it or talk about it.
However, the truth is that the term ‘infertile’ doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll never get pregnant.
Infertility is, clinically, defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of having regular sexual intercourse without the use of birth control.
The criteria for men is similar. Men are considered infertile if they’ve been trying to get their partner to conceive for one year with no success. Basically, if you’ve been trying for a year and haven’t got pregnant yet, you’re infertile, regardless of whether or not you actually get pregnant in the future. And it is quite common that a significant number of couples are unable to get pregnant within a year, so there are many of people out there struggling with this label.
If you have been on the pill and you now want to get pregnant, it may not be as simple as going off the pill. A number of things could cause you to end up not resuming your period not soon enough.
The common belief is that if you’re having unprotected sex and you don’t get your period, you’re pregnant, but when you keep taking pregnancy tests and you’re not pregnant, it’s not normal and you should go to a fertility clinic.
A common diagnosis is polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can make it difficult for women to become pregnant.
A number of factors can contribute to female infertility. Advanced maternal age, defined as having a pregnancy at age 35 or over, is significant.
As you get older, your fertility gradually declines, which is why women who fall into this group may take longer to get pregnant.
Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, having damaged or blocked fallopian tubes that can’t be treated with surgery, and premature ovarian failure (a loss of normal ovarian function before age 40) may also make it harder to get pregnant without reproductive assistance.
Some women do not have a specific cause that can be identified. This is known as ‘unexplained infertility’—you have trouble getting pregnant but the reason is unknown.
You may wish to know how infertility is treated, how can you increase your fertility naturally, what are your infertility options and how can you check your fertility?
It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not always your uterus that’s the issue. Your male partner could contribute to your infertility. This has been proved in about 35 per cent of cases, so it’s important that your partner is involved in the process and to undergo testing too.
A semen analysis can give information about sperm motility, shape, and concentration, all of which can play a role in fertility.
Specific fertility tests for the man may include semen analysis. The doctor may ask for one or more semen specimens.
The man could also require a hormone testing which is a blood test to determine level of testosterone and other male hormones. Others are genetic testing, testicular imaging and other specialty testing.
It’s not unusual that some infertile women do get pregnant without reproductive assistance, while a number of others may need help.
The likelihood that you’ll get pregnant is relatively high but be aware that you may require some form of creative medical technology.
There are many of such options like intrauterine insemination, which involves placing sperm inside your uterus when you’re fertile, or in vitro fertilisation, which involves retrieving eggs and fertilising them with sperm in a lab, then implanting those embryos in your uterus.
You may get pregnant after identifying and addressing whatever problem was getting in the way, you may also need to undergo rounds of a fertility drug to stimulate ovulation.
So if you hear the word ‘infertility’ don’t assume that you’re out of options. What you should bear in mind is that the majority of couples diagnosed with infertility and who seek counselling and assistance end up pregnant.
You own perceptions do matter about infertility and solutions like IVF and how to enhance IVF treatment among married couples in general.
You should know for certain that what your own pregnancy journey looks like will differ from what it looks like for another couple. But it’s important to remember that there are specialists available who can help you go over your options and figure out what makes sense for you.
In addition to treatments like IVF, it is necessary to take cognisance of the fact that there are other paths to parenthood such as using an egg donor, having a gestational carrier, or pursuing adoption.
If you’re worried about your fertility, the right thing is to check with your doctor. Technically, the recommendation is to check in after a year of trying if you’re under 35 or after six months of trying if you’re 35 or older.
However, if you have any health issues like irregular or absent periods, a PCOS or endometriosis diagnosis, a history of an eating disorder, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, or a strong family history of infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss, it’s advisable to visit a fertility specialist as soon as possible.
The bottom line is that infertility is quite common and it’s nothing to feel embarrassed about especially as there are now many options that can help you conceive.
Credit: Abayomi Ajayi, Punch